Sometimes just getting by and going through the motions of life can be exhausting. You are the adult, and thus, you are in charge of everything from A to Z. Make a few small changes to how you approach the routine tasks of living to create an easier and happier life for everyone in the family.
Create a rotation of easy recipes.
When it comes to feeding your family, it does not have to be a frustrating feat. If the thought of figuring out what to make every week puts you into a cold sweat, it is time to work on reframing the way you think about meals. Change how you feel about the process by sitting down and making a list of easy-to-prepare foods.
To get started, try this shrimp scampi recipe. Once you have a recipe that is as simple and tasty as this one and everyone enjoys, put it into rotation instead of saving it for special occasions. Create a weekly meal plan with the same menu every Thursday, for example. Or make it monthly instead. It is up to you. (Look at the video below, beginning at minute 8:20 for helpful tips about creating a meal planning calendar.)
Look at favorite cookbooks, food bloggers, family recipes, or cooking shows for inspiration. Invite the rest of the family to contribute to the process of meal planning and preparation. Make it a fun event instead of a chore. Once you have a handful of new favorites, save the recipes on your phone or laptop, the family calendar, or print and place them in a binder.
Teach everyone to pitch in at home.
Having children means the realities of parenting can bring untold responsibilities. There are meals to be prepped and made, clothing to be washed, and teeth that need to be brushed more than once. Everywhere you turn, there is one more thing to do. If you have been trying to do everything yourself and are wearing down in the process, it is more than time to do something different for everyone’s benefit.
Try making your job as a parent a little bit easier for you and better for the family by taking the time to teach your children age-appropriate chores to help around the house. Sure, they will not complete every task perfectly, and that is ok. What is important is that you are laying the foundations of responsibility. Before you know it, a few more years will have passed, and your children will be capable of doing the work you have taught them without you having to worry about following behind them.
When you teach your kids to clean and organize at home, you can set certain expectations but be kind about them. Realize that your kids may choose to eliminate their top sheet on the bed because it is one more thing to wash as they get older. Let that go. Make sure you are present and cleaning with the younger kids, and give the older ones autonomy to do their best on their own, once they have been taught how to do so.
Make a family calendar.
If you do not already have a shared family calendar, it is time to get on board. A calendar that shows everyone’s appointments, employment hours, sports, or music practices will make your family run smoother than ever. The calendar is not only a visual reminder of what is happening for every person in your household on any given day, but it is also a way to know where everyone is.
What type of calendar you create is up to you and may vary depending on the ages of your children. If your kids are old enough to have smartphones, a shared online calendar can be useful as everyone will have instant access to the calendar and any changes or updates, whether at home or out and about. Younger children will benefit from a printed or dry-erase wall calendar. You can always take a photo with your smartphone to maintain access.
Watch this video to learn more about setting up a family calendar online. It takes a few minutes to set everything up, but once you do, your life will be accessible with a click.
You surely want to bring more fun and happiness into your home and family. Start by making your daily responsibilities a lot easier by following these tips. Everyone will be amazed by the changes that occur in how seamlessly your home begins to operate.